2019 Hyundai Kona Electric and NEXO

First, the 2019 Hyundai NEXO Fuel Cell. Here, a chemical fuel cell acts as the battery by converting hydrogen and oxygen directly into electricity. The result is 161-horsepower and a bountiful 291 lb-ft. of torque going to the front wheels for up to 380-whisper quiet miles.

The NEXO’s unique platform, with 3 identical hydrogen tanks in the rear, makes room for a multilink suspension that delivers both good handling and comfortable ride. 

The driver oriented cabin sports a modern and clean design… with controls readily at hand on the bridge console. From a commanding seating position, the light steering makes NEXO quick and nimble. Technology includes a blind spot view monitor and remote self-parking. 

California is home to most of the hydrogen fueling stations in the U.S… so the 2019 Hyundai NEXO Fuel Cell will be available in the Golden State later this year.

Hyundai’s 2019 electric endeavors also include a new battery electric, appropriately called the Hyundai Kona Electric. The attractive, near grille-less front end is a big tipoff that electricity is rolling the front wheels. It shares the same platform as its gas sipping siblings…with some adjustments… to accommodate a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery under the floor, as the motor generates 201-horsepower and 290 lb-ft. of torque for 258-miles.

"So we’ve now driven all 3 powertrains offered on the Kona and this Kona Electric has the most horsepower and the most torque. The thing I really like about driving EV’s is the instant torque you get… and here in the Kona it’s not only quick it’s strong. You get a nice push back into the seat."

MacPherson struts up front and multi-links in the rear make this spirited subcompact crossover comfortable. Regenerative braking is strong yet smooth.

With interior dimensions the same as gas models…. it is very mainstream. The traditional shifter is replaced by shift-by-wire buttons on its bridge console. Safety includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Allert, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Lane Keeping Assist. 

Ready to be your only, go almost anywhere car, the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric goes on sale soon, with prices likely comparable to rivals Chevy Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf.